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Chamari Athapaththu, the captain of the Sri Lanka Women’s National Cricket Team, etched her name in the annals of the women’s Asia Cup history with a groundbreaking achievement. She became the first player ever to score a century in the tournament’s history during a dynamic innings against the Malaysia Women’s National Cricket Team.
From the outset of the match at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Athapaththu aggressively took on the Malaysian bowlers, despite losing her opening partners early. Partnering with Anushka Sanjeewani, she orchestrated a formidable 115-run stand that tilted the game decisively in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Athapaththu’s onslaught reached its peak in the final overs, where she launched a ferocious assault on the Malaysian bowling attack, particularly targeting Ainna Hamizah Hashim and Aisya Eleesa. Her century, achieved in just 63 deliveries, was punctuated with 14 fours and seven towering sixes, culminating in an unbeaten 119-run innings. Her strike rate soared above 172, propelling Sri Lanka to a commanding total of 184 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
This remarkable innings not only marked Athapaththu’s third century in T20Is but also stands as her career-best performance in the shortest format of the game. Her earlier centuries against cricketing giants Australia and Scotland underscore her prowess as a standout player for Sri Lanka, further solidifying her place in women’s cricket history.
Chamari Athapaththu has added another feather to her cap in the Women’s Asia Cup, setting a new record for the most sixes in an innings. With a career tally of 3153 runs from 136 matches at an impressive average of 24.44, Athapaththu’s feat underscores her prowess as a boundary-hitting sensation.
Her ability to clear the ropes with ease not only showcases her aggressive batting style but also cements her status as a formidable force in women’s cricket on the Asian stage.
Most sixes in an innings in Women’s Asia Cup
7 – Chamari Athapaththu v MLY, TODAY
3 – Shafali Verma v MLY, 2022
3 – Richa Ghosh v PAK, 2022
3 – Aliya Riaz v UAE, 2022
3 – Smriti Mandhana v SL, 2022
